Term 3 has seen a vast array of events and activities that have not only highlighted our student's commitment to the College, but also provided meaningful learning opportunities. This term, our College theme of 'values' has been centred around personal excellence and through events or activities including recreational time, many positive examples of students aligning their choices and behaviours to this value have been observed. I would like to acknowledge the students and staff for their efforts this term and wish everyone a safe and enjoyable holiday break.

After a wet month of June, the rain has eased, however still provided plenty of opportunities to get machinery bogged around the farm. July delivered 129 millimetres of rain and August 93, giving Denmark a year-to-date total of 790 millimetres of spring rain. The sun has also come out with some beautiful sunny conditions accelerating pasture growth and fodder conservation. Paddocks are now being “shut up” or preserved for silage and hay production. Additional fertiliser is being applied to give the plants a growth boost before maturing.

Account Clearance Dates: A gentle reminder that the first and second instalments of the Residential Accommodation Fee should be paid in full prior to the commencement of Term 4.

The peak medical organisation in Australia – the National Health and Medical Research Council - recommends that for children and young people under the age of 18, not drinking alcohol is the safest option. Young people’s developing brains can be damaged through consumption of alcohol so avoiding alcohol altogether is important. Drinking is associated with poor decision-making, loss of control and risky behaviour such as unsafe or unwanted sex, injury, violence, car crashes and other undesirable outcomes which may last a lifetime.

Week 8 was OLNA week, for some students, in the areas of Reading, Writing and Numeracy. I was pleased with the positive approach students had to this test and the work they put in to study for it prior to the official testing.

Last week Year 10 students selected options for next year. We are pleased to report that Trades and Training preferences look very positive with many students keen to experience more in our training areas. It's clear that the areas of study and practical experiences we are offering are in line with student requirements.  Year 11 students will make their choices in Term 4, see Mr Mungioli’s Newsletter section for more information.

The Year 12’s did not believe me when I advised them in February that before they knew it, the end of their schooling would arrive quickly – and it has. The year has flown by with so many of our Year 12 students achieving amazing things.

Last newsletter I began by writing, ‘Over the past few weeks we have had such wonderful reasons to celebrate how fantastic our College is.’ Here I am a few weeks later and find myself writing that very same statement again!

Open Day: Trades and Training areas had a fantastic Open Day with lots of energy and action on the day.  Equine easily took the top spot for action whereas our beekeepers had a great day for showcasing their efforts and products to the public.

Open Day at the College is a reminder about the fabulous facility we have. Students, staff and activities were amazing. Thanks for all the lovely feedback and for those that participated in the event.

Over the past few weeks we have had such wonderful reasons to celebrate how fantastic our College is!

The main event of course was our annual Open Day and what a great day that was! The glorious winter sunshine ensured that we had strong numbers through the gate with about 800 attendees. Visitors were treated to a variety of demonstrations and those who have attended before would be familiar with our tours of Dairy, Residence and Horticulture as well as favourites like Junior Cattle Judging and Parading.